Fellow RN died this morning.

RedSox33RN · Mar 2, 2008

I'm so, so sorry to hear of your friend.

Liddle Noodnik · Mar 2, 2008

My coworker (and friend, mother, grandmother) died this morning in a car crash, she fell asleep at the wheel after working a 12+ hour night shift.
I just wanted to tell other night nurses (that are prone to getting sleepy on the drive home) that it is NOT worth it, and I wanted to tell ALL nurses to hug your babies!
She will be greatly missed.
~Ali

I once found myself mere inches from the car in front of me. I was going 80 MPH on a regular street (not turnpike) - had nodded off just for a second! So I took to driving to a church after work from then on, about a 1/2 mile away from the job, and parking there to take a nap (scared the heck out of some morning committee members one day when they found me sleeping - they banged on my car windows thinking I was dead!)

I know of a nurse who was killed instantly when the sun was blocking her view of a trash truck stopped in the road - she ran right into it - so there was the fatigue factor and the glare factor. Everybody needs to be real careful! And from the sounds of it not just night workers - many nurses are overextended and exhausted and have a hard time saying no.

Thanks for bringing this up and I am so sorry for your loss - can't imagine losing a friend like that ((((((((( hugs )))))))

Coastie_wife · Mar 2, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to you and this womans family during this difficult time. So sad.

Lisa

need714 · Mar 2, 2008

another reminder from the "lord" that we should live each day as it's our last, and tell the ones that we know and love that we love them deeply.

i'm truly sorry for your loss and pray that her friends and family get through this loss gracefully, and they keep in mind that she is now in a better place. that will be the only thing that will give them peace with this tragedy.

"god bless"

luvmy3kids · Mar 2, 2008

I'm so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends family. Take care.

Jennifer

jenn27 · Mar 2, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. The family and friends are in my prayers.

Sabby_NC · Mar 2, 2008

Ali such a sad post to read.

Please know I am thinking of you and your collegues over this tragic loss of a work mate and friend *hugs*

Jo Dirt · Mar 2, 2008

This is not the first time I've heard of a night shift worker falling asleep at the wheel and getting killed on the way home. No, it ISN'T worth it, and it makes me angry at how the system is.

The system needs to change. I'm all for "power naps" and sleeping in shifts. There is nothing wrong with that.

Liddle Noodnik · Mar 2, 2008

This is not the first time I've heard of a night shift worker falling asleep at the wheel and getting killed on the way home. No, it ISN'T worth it, and it makes me angry at how the system is.
The system needs to change. I'm all for "power naps" and sleeping in shifts. There is nothing wrong with that.

I know places that make it "illegal" to sleep even on your unpaid break!~ that's ridiculous.

kcochrane · Mar 2, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I think for many the night shift is one that is never a good fit. For some, like me it works great.

But I agree with others that have mentioned that we NEED to take care of ourselves. We need to make sure we have downtime and enough sleep. We can't do everything. I see too many nurses and aides that use the night shift as a way to get more stuff done during the day. Its a a dangerous idea. We need our sleep!!!

I will keep all of you in my prayers -that you are protected as you drive on your way home. Take care.

proud2b1 · Mar 3, 2008

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your co-worker and friend.My thoughts and prayers go out for you and for her family.Hugs are sooooooooooo important.Take it easy! :nurse:

rnmomtobe2010 · Mar 3, 2008

Just did a three page draft on nursing shortage and one of the main focuses of my paper is the working conditions...aka long shifts and nurses injuring themselves and/or others.. I am truly sorry and I am really going to pray for the family. I can't believe it!!